Roll-forming machine

ABSTRACT

A roll-forming machine includes a plurality of forming members which are mounted at spaced points on an elongate, rigid spine. This permits conversion of the machine from one roll-forming configuration to another by removing the spine and the rollforming members attached thereto and then installing a different spine-forming member assembly in the roll-forming machine. In one embodiment of the invention the forming members comprise nondriven material engaging rollers and the roll-forming machine further includes a plurality of roll-stands each comprising nonforming driving rollers for moving material through the rollforming machine. In another embodiment of the invention the forming members comprise combination driving and forming rollers and couplers are provided for forming driving connections to the rollers.

EJEQfl lbath tes ?atent [191 July 31, 1973 ROLL-FORMING MACHINE 22 Filed: Sept. 20, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 181,838

[52] US. Cl. 72/238, 72/181 [51] Int. Cl...' 821d 5/06 [58] Field of Search 72/181, 178, 179, 72/176, 238, 239

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 726,691 4/1903 Johnson 72/181 X 421,961 2/1890 Nauman.... 72/181 2,948,324 8/1960 Penrose 72/181 X 1,673,787 6/1928 Frahm et a1. 72/181 X 1,261,735 4/1918 l-lunker 1 72/181 2,682,850 7/1954 Close 72/181 2,405,128 8/1946 Berquist.... 72/181 X 2,012,795 8/1935 Park 72/181 X 808,356 12/1905 Foster 72/238 a r' r a: r

2,176,115 10/1939 Yoder ..72/l8l Primary Examiner-Milton S. Mehr Att0rneyRichards, Harris & Hubbard [57] ABSTRACT A roll-forming machine includes a plurality of forming members which are mounted at spaced points on an elongate, rigid spine. This permits conversion of the machine from one roll-forming configuration to another by removing the spine and the roll-forming members attached thereto and then installing a different spine-forming member assembly in the roll-forming machine. In one embodiment of the invention the forming members comprise non-driven material engaging rollers and the roll-forming machine further includes a plurality of roll-stands each comprising non-forming driving rollers for moving material through the rollforming machine. In another embodiment of the invention the forming members comprise combination driving and forming rollers and couplers are provided for forming driving connections to the rollers.

22 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PMENTEB JUL 3 1 I973 SHEET 1- 0F 7 UTm INVENTOR DAN L. COLBAT H PATENTEU JUL 3 3 T48 8B4 SHEET 2 BF 7 DAIN COLBATH ATTORNEYS PATENIEUJUL31 W 3. 748.884

' saw 8 OF 7 FIG. 6

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INVENTOR DAN L. COLBATH ATTORNE YS PAIENIED m 3 1 I915 SHEET 5 0F 7 FIG. 8

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INVENTOR DAN L. COLBATH ATTORNEYS PATENIEUJULIJ 1 ma SHEET 8 OF 7 INVENTOR:

DAN L. COLBATH FIG. IO

ATTORNEYS PATENIED I915 3,748.884

' sum 7 or 7 FIG.

INVENTOR DAN L. COLBATH ATTORNEYS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to roll-forming machines, and more particularly to a roll-forming machine which is quickly and easily changed from one roll-forming configuration to another.

As is well known, roll-forming machines are used in industry to form longitudinal bends in strips of metal or similar materials. The type of roll-forming machine that is most often employed at the present time is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 2,l76,l l5, granted to Yoder on Oct. 17, 1939. In the Yoder device a plurality of roll-stands are mounted at spaced intervals and function to move material along a path and to simultaneously form longitudinal bends in the material. The roll-stands are driven by a common power source which is connected to the roll-stands by means of worm gear drives. The rollstands generally comprise combination driving and forming rollers, however, in a given instance certain of the roll-stands may serve merely as driving rollers and in other instances non-driven forming rollers may be used in conjunction with the combination driving and forming rollers.

Roll-forming machines of the type disclosed in the Yoder Patent incorporate a number of inherently disadvantageous characteristics. First, in the case of a rollforming machine designed to form complex shapes or to operate on relatively thick materials, the component parts of the roll-stands may be either complex or heavy or both. Second, all of the roll-stands in the Yoder type of device are power driven. Thus, in order to adapt a Yoder type roll-forming machine to perform a particular roll-forming operation, all of the rollers must be removed and replaced on an individual basis. For both of these reasons it typically requires a crew of skilled workmen and as long as 8 hours to convert a conventional roll-forming machine from one roll-forming configuration to another.

A less critical but nevertheless significant disadvantage of the Yoder type of roll-forming machine involves the fact that the combination driving and forming rollers of such a device typically present more than one diameter to material that is traveling through the rollforming machine. In such a case it is necessary that at least portions of the rollers slip relative to the material. This results in numerous problems including increased power requirements, excess heating of the material, possible tearing of the material, etc.

The present invention comprises a novel roll-forming machine which overcomes the foregoing and other disadvantages that are characteristic of the prior art. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of forming members are supported on an elongate, rigid spine. Structure is provided for precisely locating the spine and thereby orienting the forming members for engagement with material passing through the roll-forming machine. Whenever it is desired to change the roll-forming machine to a different roll-forming configuration, the spine and the forming members supported thereon are removed from the rollforming machine and are then replaced with a different spine-forming member assembly. By this means the roll-forming machine is quickly and easily converted from one roll-forming configuration to another.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a roll-forming machine comprising the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are sectional views taken generally along the lines 2-2 and 3-3 of FIG. 1, respectively, and illustrating the different types of roll-stands which are employed in the roll-forming machine;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 in FIG. 1 and illustrating a typical guide of the type used in the roll-forming machine;

FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are sectional views taken generally along the lines 5-5, 6-6, 7-7 and 8-8 of FIG. 1, respectively, and illustrating various typical diestands of the type used in the roll-forming machine;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 9-9 in FIG. 1 and illustrating a typical straightening mechanism of the type used in the roll-forming machine;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the rollforming machine which further illustrates certain of the component parts of the roll-forming machine; and

FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a roll-forming machine comprising a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a roll-forming machine 10 comprising the preferred embodiment of the invention. The roll-forming machine 10 includes a frame 12 which includes a pair of main beams 14, a plurality of legs 16 which support the main beams 14, and a plurality of brace beams 18 which interconnect the legs 16. The main beams 14 extend longitudinally of the rollforming machine 10 and serve to support the operating components thereof. One of the main beams 14 also supports a chain drive enclosing housing 20.

The roll-forming machine 10 further includes a plurality of roll-stands which serve to move material through the roll-forming machine 10 along a path 22 extending from left to right (FIG. 1) and parallel to the main beams 14. The roll-stands of the roll-forming machine 10 are of two types and include a first type 24 which is used in the entry or forward portion of the rollforming machine 10 and a second type 26 which is used in the exit or rearward portion of the roll-forming machine. All of the roll-stands 24 are driven by a chain drive 28 whereas all of the roll-stands 26 are driven by a chain drive 30. Both of the chain drives 28 and 30 are mounted in the housing 20 and are driven by a common power source including an electric motor 32, a suitable transmission 34 and a chain and sprocket drive 36.

The structural details of the roll-stands 24 of the rollforming machine 10 are illustrated in FIG. 2. Each rollstand 24 includes upper and lower roller assemblies 38 and 40 which comprise relatively small diameter, relatively widely spaced drive rollers mounted for cooperation to advance material through the roll-forming machine 10. The upper roller assembly 38 includes a pair of rollers 42 which are supported on-and driven by a shaft 44. The shaft 44 is in turn supported in a-pair of pillow-block bearings 46 and a self-aligning bearing 48 mounted on the housing 20. The shaft 44 extends to a sprocket 50 comprising a portion of the chain drive 28. Similarly, the lower roller assembly 40 includes a pair of drive rollers 52 which are supported on and driven by a shaft 54. The shaft 54 is supported in a pair of pillow-block bearings 56 and a self-aligning bearing 58 which is mounted on the housing 20. The shaft 54 extends to a sprocket 60 which also comprises a portion of the chain drive 28.

The pillow-block bearings 56 are supported on a plate 62 which is in turn supported by a pair of rods 64. The rods 64 extend through the main beams 14 of a roll-forming machine and are secured with respect thereto by cooperating sets of collars 66 which are both welded to the beams 14 and pinned to the rods 64. By this means the location of the shaft 54 and the rollers 52 of the roller assembly 40 is fixed relative to the frame 12 of the roll-forming machine 10.

On the other hand, the pillow-block bearings 46 of the upper roller assembly 38 are secured to a plate 68 which is slidably supported on the rods 64. A compression spring 70 is mounted on each rod 64 and is positioned between a collar 72 that is mounted on the plate 68 and a collar 73 that is threadedly engaged with the rod 64 and retained by a collar 74. By this means the shaft 44 and the rollers 42 of the upper roller assembly 38 are urged toward the rollers 52 and the shaft 54 of the lower roller assembly 40 and yet are permitted to move up-wardly to accommodate materials of various thicknesses. By way of example, it has been found that a roll-stand constructed as shown in FIG. 2 will function to properly move materials varying in thickness from between about one-sixteenth inch and about three-eighths inch.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the structural details of the roll-stands 26 of the roll-forming machine 10 are shown. Each roll-stand 26 includes upper and lower roller assemblies 78 and 80 which comprise relatively large diameter, relatively closely spaced drive rollers. The upper roller assembly 78 includes a pair of rollers 82 which are supported on and driven by a shaft 84. The shaft 84 is supported by a pillow-block bearing 86 and a self-aligning bearing 88 mounted on the frame 12 and extends to a sprocket 90 comprising a portion of the chain drive 30. Similarly, the lower roller assembly 80 comprises a pair of rollers 92 which are supported on and driven by a shaft 94. The shaft 94 is supported by a pillow-block bearing 96 and a self-aligning bearing 98 mounted on one of the main beams 14 of the frame 12 and extends to a sprocket 100 which also comprises a portion of the chain drive 30.

The pillow-block bearing 96 is supported on a plate 102 which is in turn supported on a plurality of rods 104. The rods I04 extend through the main beams 14 of the frame 12 and are rigidly located with respect thereto by a plurality of collars 106 which are both welded to the beams 14 and pinned to the rods 104. By this means the rollers 92 and the shaft 94 of the lower roller assembly 80 are fixedly supported relative to the frame 12 of the roll-forming machine 10. On the other hand, the pillow-block 86 is mounted on a plate 108 which is slidably supported on the rods 104. A compression spring 110 is mounted on each rod 104 and is positioned between a collar 1 12 that is mounted on the plate 108 and a collar 113 that is threadedly engaged with the rod 104 and retained by a collar 114. By this means the rollers 82 and the shaft 84 of the upper roller assembly 78 are urged toward the rollers 92 and the shaft 94 of the lower roller assembly but are permitted to move upwardly against the action of the springs 110. This construction permits the roll-stands 26 to properly drive materials of varying thicknesses through the roll-forming machine 10. As has been indicated previously in conjunction with the roll-stands 24, it has been found that the construction illustrated in FIG. 3 is adaptable to advance materials varying between about one-sixteenth inch and about three-eighths inch.

As will be apparent from the foregoing, the rollstands 24 and 26 of the roll-forming machine 10 comprise component parts which are substantially permanently mounted on the frame 12 of the roll-forming machine. An important aspect of the preferred embodiment of the invention is that the drive rollers of the rollstands 24 and 26 play no part whatsoever in forming material which is moved along the path 22 shown in FIG. 1. Instead, the various rollers comprising the rollstands 24 and 26 are employed solely to move material through the roll-forming machine 10.

The function of forming the material which is moving through the roll-forming machine 10 under the action of the roll-stands is performed by a plurality of diestands which are mounted at spaced points along the path 22 and alternately with respect to the roll-stands 24 and 26. One of the most important features of the present invention is that all of the various die-stands which are employed in a particular roll-forming operation are mounted on a spine 120. As is clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the spine extends the entire length of the roll-forming machine 10 and is supported relative to the frame 12 of the roll-forming machine 10 by means of the plates 68 and 108 of the roll-stands 24 and 26. The spine 120 comprises an elongate, rigid, hollowtube and has a plurality of feet 122 depending from it. Each foot 122 is welded to the spine 120 and has a locating aperture formed through it. One of the plates 68 and two of the plates 108 are provided with locating pads 124, and each pad 124 has a locating pin 126 extending upwardly from it for cooperation with the locating aperture in one of the feet 122 to precisely locate the spine 120 relative to the frame 12 of the rollforming machine 10. The spine 120 is secured relative to the frame 12 by a plurality of L-shaped clamps 128 and a plurality of bolts 130 which are threadedly engaged with the plates 68 and 108 to clamp the spine 120 relative to the frame 12 of the roll-forming machine.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the spine 120 also supports a pair of guides which are mounted on opposite sides of the first roll-stand 24 of the roll-forming machine 10. Each guide comprises a frame 134 which is supported on a pair of brackets 136 by a plurality of bolts 138. The brackets 136 are welded to the spine 120 and the bolts 138 are received in elongated slots 140 formed in the brackets 136. Thus, the lateral positioning of the frame 134 relative to the spine 120 is ad- 60 justable by means of a plurality of adjusting members 142 supported on the frame 134 and extending into engagement with the brackets 136. The frame 134 supports a plurality of rollers 144 which are positioned for engagement with the lateral edges of material entering the roll-forming machine 10 and also supports opposed plates 146 and 148. By this means the guides function to align material entering the roll-forming machines relative to the die-stands of the roll-forming machine.

Typical die-stands suitable for use in the roll-forming machine are illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8. Each die-stand comprises a rectangular frame 152 that is rigidly secured to the spine 120 by means of a pair of L- shaped brackets 154 which are welded to the spine 120 and a plurality of fasteners 156 which secure the rectangular frame to the brackets 154. The frame 152 depends from the spine 120 and supports a pair of plates 158 each having a material receiving aperture 160 formed in it. A plurality of non-driven material engaging rollers are supported on each plate 158 for engagement with material passing through the roll-forming machine 10 under the action of the roll-stands 24 and 26.

As those skilled in the air will appreciate, the positioning of the rollers of the various die-stands which are utilized in a particular roll-forming operation depends on the location of the die-stands in the roll-forming ma- I chine as well as other factors. For example, the diestand illustrated in FIG. 5 is located in the forward portion of the roll-forming machine 10 and comprises a plurality of rollers 162 which are positioned to initiate lip bends B in material passing through the rollforming machine. The die-stand illustrated in FIG. 6 is located at an intermediate point in the roll-forming machine and comprises a plurality of rollers 164 positioned to the lip bends 8,, in the material passing through the roll-forming machine. The die-stand shown in FIG. 7 is located somewhat further into the rollforming machine 10 and comprises rollers 166 positioned to cooperate with other rollers to form flange bends B in the material. The final die-stand of the rollforming machine 10 is illustrated in FIG. 8 and comprises rollers 168 positioned to complete the flange bends B;. As will be understood, all of the material engaging rollers of the various die-stands comprising the roll-forming machine 10 are non-driven rollers. Thus, in the use of the roll-forming machine 10 the material advancing and the material forming functions are completely divorced in that all of the material moving operations are carried out by the roll-stands 24 and 26 whereas all of the material forming operations are carried out by die-stands of the type illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8.

As is well known in the art, roll-forming machines are often provided with straightening mechanisms, whereby the course of the material leaving the rollforming machine is determined and controlled. As material is transformed from an initial configuration to a desired configuration in a roll-forming machine, it is often necessary to stretch certain portions of the material to a greater extent than other portions. For example, when a channel shape of the type illustrated in FIG. 8 is formed in a length of material, the outer portions of the material are stretched to a greater extent than the central portions of the material. If no steps were taken to correct this situation, the material would curl down upon leaving the roll-forming machine. This situation may be overcome and corrected by appropriate straightening mechanisms.

The roll-forming machine 10 is equipped with two straightening mechanisms both of which are supported on the spine 120. One of the straightening mechanisms is situated between the roll-stands 24 and the rollstands 26 and functions to remove curl caused by forming the lip bends 8,, in the material. The other straightening mechanism is situated at the right end (FIG. 1)

of the roll-forming machine to remove curl caused by forming the flange bends B in the material.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the straightening mechanism at the end of the roll-forming machine 10 is shown. The straightening mechanism comprises a pair of upper bars 170 and 172 which are rigidly supported on the spine 120 by means of two L-shaped brackets 174 and 176 and two bolts 178 and 180. A pair of plates 182 and 184 are supported on the bars 170 and 172, respectively, by a plurality of relatively rigid bolts 186 and 188. The plate 182 supports material engaging rollers 190 and the plate 184 supports material engaging rollers 192 which cooperate with the rollers 190 to straighten curl in the material due to the flange bends B formed therein. Thus, the material engaging rollers 190 and 192 do not serve to further form the material, but instead receive material that has already been shaped by the die-stands of the roll-forming machine 10 and function to remove curl from the material.

The angular and vertical positioning of the plates 182 and 184 relative to the spine 120 is adjustable by means of the bolts 186 and 188. This permits positioning of the material engaging rollers 190 and 192 in such a way as to overcome and relieve any twisting or curling tendency of material being formed in the roll-forming machine. As is well known in the roll-forming art, adjustment of the straightening mechanism of a roll-forming machine is a rather frequent operation in that changes in the characteristics of the material being processed can cause marked changes in the tendancy of the material to twist or curl after it has been formed in a rollforming machine. For example, materials from different manufacturers, materials which may have been processed or stored under different conditions, and in fact lengths of material slit from different portions of the same roll or sheet often behave differently during processing in a roll-forming machine. Any such change may necessitate an adjustment of the straightening mechanisms of the roll-forming machine so that the material follows the desired course as it leaves the rollforming machine.

Referring now to FIG. 10, all of the various diestands, guides and straightening mechanisms which are employed in a particular roll-forming operation are rigidly attached to a spine 120. The spine is in turn secured relative to the frame 12 of the roll-forming machine 10 by means of the L-shaped clamps 128 and the bolts 130. Thus, by simply removing the bolts and the clamps 128, and then lifting the spine 120, all of the die-stands, guides, and straightening mechanisms relating to a particular roll-forming operation are simultaneously removed from the roll-forming machine 10. A second spine 120 having a plurality of die-stands, guides and straightening mechanisms rigidly attached thereto is then installed in the roll-forming machine 10. This is accomplished by aligning the apertures of the feet 122 on the spine 120 with the pins 126 that project upwardly from the pads 124 on the plates 68 and 108. The L-shaped clamps 128 and the bolts 130 are then replaced, whereby the spine is rigidly secured in the roll-forming machine. At this point the roll-forming machine is adapted to perform a completely different roll-forming operation. In actual practice, it has been found that the foregoing procedure for changing the roll-forming machine shown in FIGS. l-l0 from one roll-forming configuration to another can be accomplished by two relatively unskilled workmen in as little as eight minutes. This is to be compared with a crew of several skilled workmen and a time period of as long as eight hours which is required to change a conventional roll-forming machine from one roll-forming configuration to another.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a roll-forming machine 200 comprising a second embodiment of the invention is shown. The roll-forming machine 200 includes a frame 202 which supports the various operating instrumentalities of the roll-forming machine. The rollforming machine 200 further includes a suitable electric motor and transmission (not shown) which are employed to rotate a worm shaft 204. The worm shaft 204 supplies operating power for the roll-forming machine 200 by means of a plurality of worm wheels 206 mounted in mesh with the worm shaft 204.

Each worm wheel 206 drives a shaft 208 and also drives a shaft 210 by means of a spur gear 212 mounted on the shaft 208 and a spur gear 214 mounted on the shaft 210 and in mesh with the gear 212. The shafts 208 and 210 are connected to a pair of couplers 216 and 218 through sets of universal joints 220. The couplers 216 and 218 are supported by adjustable positioning members 222 and 224 and function to couple the shafts 208 and 210 to a pair of combination material moving and material forming rollers 226 and 228. This permits alignment between the couplers 216 and 218 and rollers 226 and 228 having different axial positionings. The rollers 226 and 228 are supported in a rectangular frame 230, and the frame 230 is secured to an elongate, rigid spine 232 by suitable means, such as welding.

The spine 232 is detachably supported on the frame 202 of the roll-forming machine 200 by suitable structure (not shown). Thus, be releasing the couplers 216 and 218 and then detaching the spine 232, all of the combination material moving and material forming rollers comprising the roll-forming machine 200 may be removed from the roll-forming machine simultaneously. Subsequently, a second spine 232 having sets of combination material moving and material forming rollers supported thereon which are adapted to perform a different roll-forming operation is mounted in the roll-forming machine 200. This is accomplished by securing the second spine 232 to the frame 202, repositioning the couplers 216 and 218 as necessary, and then re-engaging the couplers 216 and 218 to supply operating power to the combination material moving and material forming rollers. Thus, the present invention is equally adapted for use in roll-forming machines having non-driven material forming rollers and in rollforming machines having combination material moving and material forming rollers.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the present invention comprises a roll-forming machine in which all of the material forming members as well as the guides and the material straightening mechanisms are rigidly secured to an elongate, rigid spine. The spine is detachably supported on the roll-forming machine whereby the material forming members, the guides and the straightening mechanisms are quickly and easily removed from the remainder of the rollforming machine. The use of the invention is highly advantageous in the roll-forming art in that it both increases the speed at which a roll-forming machine can be changed from one roll-forming configuration to another and also reduces the cost of such a change-over operation. By this means, roll-forming machines are readily adapted to very short run operations and are not restricted to use in high volume manufacturing operations.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing specification, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of rearrangement, modification, and substitution of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A roll-forming machine comprising:

means defining a path of movement of material to be formed;

an elongate, rigid spine;

a plurality of sets of upper and lower forming members each rigidly secured to and supported by the spine and mounted at spaced points therealong for progressively transforming material from an initial configuration to a desired configuration; and

means for locating the spine relative to the path and thereby positioning the forming members at spaced points on the path for engagement with material moving therealong.

2. The roll-forming machine according to claim 1 wherein the path defining means includes a frame and wherein the locating means includes cooperating means mounted at spaced points along the frame and the spine for securing the spine relative to the frame.

3. The roll-forming machine according to claim 2 wherein the forming members comprise a plurality of die-stands each including a subframe rigidly secured to the spine and a plurality of rollers supported on the subfra'me for engagement with material passing along the path.

4. The roll-forming machine according to claim 3 wherein the path defining means further includes a plurality of roll-stands mounted on the frame for moving material along the path and wherein the roll-stands and the die-stands are alternately positioned along the path.

5. The roll-forming machine according to claim 4 wherein each roll-stand comprises at least one fixedly supported power driven roller and at least one floatingly supported power driven roller for cooperation with the fixedly supported roller to move materials of various thicknesses along the path.

6. The roll-forming machine according to claim 2 wherein the forming members comprise material engaging rollers and further characterized by power means mounted on the frame for moving material along the path and means forming a driving connection between the power means and the material engaging rollers.

7. A roll-forming machine comprising:

means defining a path of movement of material to be formed;

an elongate-rigid spine;

a plurality of forming members each rigidly secured to the spine and mounted at spaced points therealong for progressively transforming material from an initial configuration to a desired configuration;

straightening means mounted on the spine for receiving material which has been formed to the desired configuration by the forming members;

means adjustably positioning the straightening means relative to the path of movement of the material and thereby determining the course that is followed by the material as it leaves the roll-forming machine; and

means for locating the spine relative to the path and thereby positioning the forming members and the straightening means at spaced points on the path for engagement with the material moving therealong.

8. The roll-forming machine according to claim 1 further including guide means mounted on one end of the spine for aligning material entering the roll-forming machine relative to the forming members.

9. A roll-forming machine comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of roll-stands mounted on the frame at spaced points along a predetermined path and each comprising cooperating non-forming rollers for receiving and driving materials;

power means for actuating the roll-stands and thereby advancing material along the predetermined path; and

a plurality of die-stands positioned at spaced points along the path for progressively transforming material moving along the path from an initial configuration to a desired configuration and each comprising at least one non-driven material engaging roller.

10. The roll-forming machine according to claim 9 wherein each of the die-stands is further characterized by a subframe extending generally perpendicularly to the predetermined path and having a material receiving passageway formed therethrough and wherein the material engaging roller of each die-stand is supported on the subframe at the periphery of the material receiving passageway.

11. The roll-forming machine according to claim 10 further including an elongate spine extending adjacent to the predetermined path and wherein the subframes of the die-stands are rigidly secured to the spine.

12. The roll-forming machine according to claim 11 further including cooperating means on the frame and the spine for detachably securing the spine to the frame and for locating the spine relative to the predetermined path and thereby precisely orienting each of the diestands relative to the path.

13. A roll-forming machine comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of sets of drive rollers rotatably supported on the frame at spaced points on a predetermined path for moving material along the path;

a rigid spine extending adjacent to the path;

a plurality of sets of forming rollers mounted at spaced points on the spine for engagement with material moving along the path under the action of the drive rollers to progressively form the material into a desired configuration; and

cooperating means on the frame and the spine for locating the spine relative to the frame and thereby precisely orienting the forming rollers relative to the path.

14. The roll-forming machine according to claim 13 further including power means for actuating the drive rollers to move material along the predetermined path and wherein each of the sets of drive rollers is adapted to receive materials of various thicknesses.

15. The roll-forming machine according to claim 14 wherein the spine locating means further comprises means for detachably securing the spine relative to the frame and thereby facilitating simultaneous movement of all of the sets of forming rollers out of the path.

16. The roll-forming machine according to claim 15 wherein each of the sets of forming rollers is further characterized by a member rigidly secured to the spine and having a material receiving passageway formed therethrough and a plurality of rollers mounted at spaced points around the periphery of the passageway for engagement with material passing therethrough under the action of the drive rollers.

17. A roll-forming machine comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of roll-stands mounted on the frame at spaced points along a predetermined path and each comprising at least one fixedly supported roller and at least one floatingly supported roller for cooperation with the fixedly supported roller to receive and drive materials of various thicknesses;

power means for actuating the roll-stands and thereby advancing material along the predetermined path;

an elongate, rigid spine;

cooperating means on the frame and the spine for detachably securing the spine to the frame and for 10- cating the spine relative to the predetermined path; and

a plurality of die-stands rigidly secured to the spine and positioned thereby at spaced points along the predetermined path and each comprising at least one roller mounted for engagement with material moving along the predetermined path under the action of the roll-stands to at least partially transform the material from an initial configuration to a desired configuration.

18. The roll-forming machine according to claim 17 wherein each die-stand is further characterized by a member depending from the spine and having a material receiving passageway formed through it and at least one material engaging roller mounted at the periphery of the material receiving passageway.

19. The roll-forming machine according to claim 17 wherein each of the roll-stands is further characterized by a shaft for supporting and driving the floatingly supported roller and spring means mounted between the shaft and the frame for permitting movement of the floatingly supported roller perpendicularly to the predetermined path.

20. The roll-forming machine according to claim 17 further including material straightening means comprising:

a set of rollers supported on the spine for receiving material from the die-stands; and

means for adjustably positioning the set of rollers relative to the path and thereby controlling the course traveled by the material as it leaves the roll-forming machine.

21. The roll-forming machine according to claim 17 further including guide means comprising:

a plurality of rollers supported on the spine for receiving material entering the roll-forming machine; and

means for adjustably positioning the rollers relative to the path and thereby aligning the material with the die-stands.

22. In a roll-forming machine of the type including a frame, power means, and a plurality of sets of upper and lower rollers supported on the frame and driven by means for rotatably supporting the upper and lower rollers of each set on the spine; and coupling means forming disconnectable driving eonnections between each of the rollers and the power 

1. A roll-forming machine comprising: means defining a path of movement of material to be formed; an elongate, rigid spine; a plurality of sets of upper and lower forming members each rigidly secured to and supported by the spine and mounted at spaced points therealong for progressively transforming material from an initial configuration to a desired configuration; and means for locating the spine relative to the path and thereby positioning the forming members at spaced points on the path for engagement with material moving therealong.
 2. The roll-forming machine according to claim 1 wherein the path defining means includes a frame and wherein the locating means includes cooperating means mounted at spaced points along the frame and the spine for securing the spine relative to the frame.
 3. The roll-forming machine according to claim 2 wherein the forming members comprise a plurality of die-stands each including a subframe rigidly secured to the spine and a plurality of rollers supported on the subframe for engagement with material passing along the path.
 4. The roll-forming machine according to claim 3 wherein the path defining means further includes a plurality of roll-stands mounted on the frame for moving material along the path and wherein the roll-stands and the die-stands are alternately positioned along the path.
 5. The roll-forming machine according to claim 4 wherein each roll-stand comprises at least one fixedly supported power driven roller and at least one floatingly supported power driven roller for cooperation with the fixedly supported roller to move materials Of various thicknesses along the path.
 6. The roll-forming machine according to claim 2 wherein the forming members comprise material engaging rollers and further characterized by power means mounted on the frame for moving material along the path and means forming a driving connection between the power means and the material engaging rollers.
 7. A roll-forming machine comprising: means defining a path of movement of material to be formed; an elongate-rigid spine; a plurality of forming members each rigidly secured to the spine and mounted at spaced points therealong for progressively transforming material from an initial configuration to a desired configuration; straightening means mounted on the spine for receiving material which has been formed to the desired configuration by the forming members; means adjustably positioning the straightening means relative to the path of movement of the material and thereby determining the course that is followed by the material as it leaves the roll-forming machine; and means for locating the spine relative to the path and thereby positioning the forming members and the straightening means at spaced points on the path for engagement with the material moving therealong.
 8. The roll-forming machine according to claim 1 further including guide means mounted on one end of the spine for aligning material entering the roll-forming machine relative to the forming members.
 9. A roll-forming machine comprising: a frame; a plurality of roll-stands mounted on the frame at spaced points along a predetermined path and each comprising cooperating non-forming rollers for receiving and driving materials; power means for actuating the roll-stands and thereby advancing material along the predetermined path; and a plurality of die-stands positioned at spaced points along the path for progressively transforming material moving along the path from an initial configuration to a desired configuration and each comprising at least one non-driven material engaging roller.
 10. The roll-forming machine according to claim 9 wherein each of the die-stands is further characterized by a subframe extending generally perpendicularly to the predetermined path and having a material receiving passageway formed therethrough and wherein the material engaging roller of each die-stand is supported on the subframe at the periphery of the material receiving passageway.
 11. The roll-forming machine according to claim 10 further including an elongate spine extending adjacent to the predetermined path and wherein the subframes of the die-stands are rigidly secured to the spine.
 12. The roll-forming machine according to claim 11 further including cooperating means on the frame and the spine for detachably securing the spine to the frame and for locating the spine relative to the predetermined path and thereby precisely orienting each of the die-stands relative to the path.
 13. A roll-forming machine comprising: a frame; a plurality of sets of drive rollers rotatably supported on the frame at spaced points on a predetermined path for moving material along the path; a rigid spine extending adjacent to the path; a plurality of sets of forming rollers mounted at spaced points on the spine for engagement with material moving along the path under the action of the drive rollers to progressively form the material into a desired configuration; and cooperating means on the frame and the spine for locating the spine relative to the frame and thereby precisely orienting the forming rollers relative to the path.
 14. The roll-forming machine according to claim 13 further including power means for actuating the drive rollers to move material along the predetermined path and wherein each of the sets of drive rollers is adapted to receive materials of various thicknesses.
 15. The roll-forming machine according to claim 14 wherein the spine locating means further comprises means for detachably securing the spine relative to the frame and thereby facilitating simultaneous movement of all of the sets of forming rollers out of the path.
 16. The roll-forming machine according to claim 15 wherein each of the sets of forming rollers is further characterized by a member rigidly secured to the spine and having a material receiving passageway formed therethrough and a plurality of rollers mounted at spaced points around the periphery of the passageway for engagement with material passing therethrough under the action of the drive rollers.
 17. A roll-forming machine comprising: a frame; a plurality of roll-stands mounted on the frame at spaced points along a predetermined path and each comprising at least one fixedly supported roller and at least one floatingly supported roller for cooperation with the fixedly supported roller to receive and drive materials of various thicknesses; power means for actuating the roll-stands and thereby advancing material along the predetermined path; an elongate, rigid spine; cooperating means on the frame and the spine for detachably securing the spine to the frame and for locating the spine relative to the predetermined path; and a plurality of die-stands rigidly secured to the spine and positioned thereby at spaced points along the predetermined path and each comprising at least one roller mounted for engagement with material moving along the predetermined path under the action of the roll-stands to at least partially transform the material from an initial configuration to a desired configuration.
 18. The roll-forming machine according to claim 17 wherein each die-stand is further characterized by a member depending from the spine and having a material receiving passageway formed through it and at least one material engaging roller mounted at the periphery of the material receiving passageway.
 19. The roll-forming machine according to claim 17 wherein each of the roll-stands is further characterized by a shaft for supporting and driving the floatingly supported roller and spring means mounted between the shaft and the frame for permitting movement of the floatingly supported roller perpendicularly to the predetermined path.
 20. The roll-forming machine according to claim 17 further including material straightening means comprising: a set of rollers supported on the spine for receiving material from the die-stands; and means for adjustably positioning the set of rollers relative to the path and thereby controlling the course traveled by the material as it leaves the roll-forming machine.
 21. The roll-forming machine according to claim 17 further including guide means comprising: a plurality of rollers supported on the spine for receiving material entering the roll-forming machine; and means for adjustably positioning the rollers relative to the path and thereby aligning the material with the die-stands.
 22. In a roll-forming machine of the type including a frame, power means, and a plurality of sets of upper and lower rollers supported on the frame and driven by the power means for moving material along a predetermined path and for simultaneously transforming the material from an initial configuration to a desired configuration, the improvement comprising: a spine detachably supported on the frame and extending adjacent to the predetermined path; means for rotatably supporting the upper and lower rollers of each set on the spine; and coupling means forming disconnectable driving connections between each of the rollers and the power means. 